Daryl C Sparks, just short of his 89th birthday returned to his loving Heavenly Father on Thursday, January 18, 2018 in Montpelier, Idaho.
He was born on February 1, 1929, in Montpelier, Idaho to Cottrell Nate Sparks and Cornelia (Connie) Maud Mumford.
Daryl grew up in Dingle where he attended school until the 3rd grade. The family then moved to Montpelier where he graduated from high school. On April 9, 1948, Daryl married his high school sweetheart, Marian Jean Wilson Sparks in the Logan LDS Temple. After living in Pocatello for five years, they made their home and raised their family in Montpelier. To this union was born one son, Steven Daryl, and four daughters, Terry Jean, Darla Kay, Lori Ann and Debbie Jo.
Daryl was an active member of the LDS Church and graduated from Seminary. He also earned his MM Golden Gleaner Award. He held positions in the Young Men’s Presidency, Sunday School Presidency and Ward Clerk. Daryl served as a seventy and stake missionary. He was a faithful home teacher for many years.
Daryl worked at the M&S Dairy while in high school. After graduation, he went to Salt Lake City to visit his sister and went to work at an oil and gas company where he delivered propane, worked as a gas attendant and serviced cars. After he and Marian were married, they moved back to Montpelier where he went to work at the M&S Dairy. After residing in Montpelier for one year, they moved to Pocatello where he worked on the railroad. While living there, he drove home every weekend to help his father on the ranch. After residing in Pocatello for 5 years, they moved to Montpelier where he went into partnership with his father working on the Sparks’ Ranch. Daryl became an excellent watch repairman and worked with his uncle at the Sparks’ Jewelry Store for 5 years and later he continued doing this from his home, along with ranching. He spent his life operating a ranch along with a number of other trades including; measuring grain for the ASC office, range riding with his children for 25 years, contracting haying jobs, operating U-Save with his father, managing the Canyon Inn and being a city patrolman. In 1978, he became a Deputy for Bear Lake County, and from September of 1981 – 1983 he was the Bear Lake County Sheriff. He drove a stagecoach from 1987 to 1991 and a carriage from 1991-1993 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Daryl always had a side job along with his first love of the ranch. At times, he was able to manage three jobs including his ranch. He continued ranching after returning from Jackson Hole in 1993 up until the past year when he leased out his cattle due to health reasons.
Daryl loved cutter racing and flat track. He was an original member of the Rocky Mountain Cutter Association. He shared this love with his sister, Marilyn, and brother-in-law, Paul Flanary. They shared a team of horses and raced with the Beehive Association for several years. Daryl loved rodeos. He participated in roping, wild cow milking and cow cutting. Haying with a team was in his blood and he loved being out in the fields with his team. Daryl loved watching the Jazz basketball team with Betty and were known to enthusiastically cheer them on.
Daryl married what he called his soul mate, Betty Lou Tueller on December 21, 1985 and they were later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple.
Daryl is survived by his children Terry (Dennis) Nate, of Cokeville, Steven (Trecia) Sparks, of Montpelier, Lori (Dean) Hidalgo of Garland, Utah and Debbie (Bill) Harrison of Malad; 2 step-sons, Neldon Kent (Dee Ann) Switzer, Keldon Ray Julander and one step daughter, Tanya Kaye Julander all of Montpelier; 48 grandchildren, 82 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. One sister, Marilyn (Paul) Flanary. Many nieces and nephews.
Daryl was preceded in death by was his wife, Betty, parents, Cottrell Nate Sparks and Cornelia Maud Mumford, one daughter, Darla Kay Sparks (Terry) Allred, one step daughter, Alana Julander, one step son, Raymond Russell Switzer. Four grandson, Ricky Daryl Nate, Thomas Rae Nate, Tyson Beau Allred, and Zeb McDougal and one granddaughter, Trina Kay Jensen.
Funeral services will be at 12 noon on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the Dingle LDS Chapel. Relatives and friends may visit with the family from 10am to 11:45am prior to the service. Interment will be in the Montpelier Cemetery.
The family expresses sincere thanks to Dr. Campbell, nurses and staff of the Bear Lake Memorial Skilled Nursing Facility for their kindness and loving care towards our dear father.
Saturday January 27, 2018 10:00 AM
Dingle LDS Church
Funeral
Saturday January 27, 2018 12:00 PM
Dingle LDS Chapel